Aaronic Blessing makes turf debut in Bold Ruckus Stakes
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The speedy Aaronic Blessing puts his unbeaten record on the line in his turf debut Saturday at Woodbine in the $125,000 Bold Ruckus Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds.
Aaronic Blessing made quite a splash at first asking against Ontario-sired maidens May 8. After setting a rapid pace in the five-furlong dash, he opened up a clear lead and held on to prevail over the next-out winner Hipp Smitt. His time of 56.82 seconds was just 0.41 seconds off the synthetic-track record and translated to an 85 Beyer Speed Figure.
Aaronic Blessing was much more relaxed up front in a five-furlong allowance May 21 before coasting home on top by 4 1/2 lengths in 58.10, which was good for an 86 Beyer.
Aaronic Blessing is by the Grade 1-winning turf miler Victor’s Cry, who is now in Kentucky after beginning his stud career in Ontario. The gelding is out of Executive Pass, a daughter of Bold Executive.
“We’re just hoping he likes the grass,” said trainer Suzanne Drake. “There’s no reason he shouldn’t. He has a lot of grass breeding behind him. On the mare’s side is Bold Ruckus, of course.”
Drake said Aaronic Blessing’s early success wasn’t anticipated, although he did work a half-mile in a bullet 46 seconds on the training track April 15.
“He sure is a pleasant surprise,” Drake said. “He seems to be the real thing. As time unfolds, we’ll see.”
Alan Garcia, who captured the 2008 Belmont Stakes on Da’ Tara, retains the mount on Aaronic Blessing. He should be favored in the six-horse field, the eighth of nine races on the card.
KEY CONTENDERS
Aaronic Blessing, by Victor’s Cry
Beyers: 86-85
◗ Fun fact: He is a half-brother to the durable but win-shy 7-year-old Sorokolitis, who has been knocking on the door in nonwinners-of-three claimers. Their second dam, Grecian Pass, won the Grade 3 Rare Treat Stakes in 1992.
Songs and Laughter, by Singing Saint
Last 3 Beyers: 84-71-68
◗ He should be well backed off a distant second in the Queenston Stakes behind Conquest Enforcer, the most talented 3-year-old on the grounds. His half-sister Laughing Falcon won the Passing Mood Stakes over this course for trainer Bob Tiller.
Beliveau, by Where’s the Ring
Last 3 Beyers: 55-73-77
◗ He is the only entrant with turf experience, which came in the Victoria Stakes last June, when he was demoted from first to second by disqualification. He was a nonthreatening sixth in his lone outing this year in the Woodstock Stakes.